Ultrasonic sensors

Ultrasonic sensors are used whenever optical systems reach their limits. Hence, partially and fully transparent or extremely dark objects can be detected just as easily as objects with reflecting surfaces or objects in dusty, vaporous or humid environments.

Flexible and precise: Ultrasonic sensors with adjustable sound cone

New cubic ultrasonic sensors with small dead zone and three adjustable sound cone widths for precise switching and measurement results

Ultrasonic sensors are used in many industries. They detect objects almost irrespective of their material characteristics. Ultrasonic sensors have proven effective even with glossy, reflective, extremely dark or transparent surfaces as well as with liquids and solve challenges where optical sensors reach their limits.

The new 420B series includes switching and measuring ultrasonic sensors in compact cubic plastic housings. With the HTU 420B ultrasonic sensors in the standard segment featuring one switching output (push-pull), we offer an economical solution in black plastic housings.

The HTU 420B ultrasonic sensors in red housings with their IO-Link interface and two switching outputs are suitable for demanding detection tasks. The adjustable sound cone enables extremely flexible use of the sensors and minimizes the number of different variants required in the system: One sensor type can be used for different applications. With a narrow sound cone, it is possible to detect fill levels through small openings, for example. A wide sound cone is suitable for e.g. reliably detecting diffusely reflective objects such as products with an uneven or complex surface or structure. An interruption filter detects brief changes in measurement within a certain interval caused by interfering objects (e.g. agitators) and can suppress interfering signals. Two independent switching outputs enable two positions to be monitored or two fill levels to be detected.

The DMU 420B ultrasonic distance sensors with analog output (either current or voltage) also have an IO-Link interface and adjustable sound cone. Here, the signal level of the current or voltage signal is proportionate to the object distance.

The new sensors of the 420B series replace the models of the 420 series. They have an equivalent or higher operating range and smaller dead zones than the predecessor series.

The new sensors of the 420B series are available in three operating ranges:
10 – 250 mm; 15 – 500 mm and 20 – 1000 mm.

The cylindrical ultrasonic sensors of the 412B series are also new. They are also equipped with an adjustable sound cone and an IO-Link interface and extend the existing range of M12 housings.

Advantages for you:

Detection nearly independent of object and surface
Compact ultrasonic sensors and distance sensors in one series
Maximum flexibility for any application thanks to adjustable sound cone (narrow, medium, wide)
Monitoring of two positions or fill levels by means of two switching outputs
Interfering objects can be suppressed via the IO-Link interface (interruption filter)
High operating ranges (three ranges) and small dead zones
Installation in constrained spaces thanks to small design
Easy parameterization via teach button, IO-Link interface or teach input

Directly to the 420B series article selection

Highlights

Flexible use thanks to adjustable sound cone

The ultrasonic sensors with IO-Link interface have an adjustable sound cone. The width of the sound cone can be adapted to the respective application. This ensures universal and flexible use of the sensors as well as optimum switching and measurement results. Via the IO-Link interface, the sound cone can be set to three ranges: narrow, medium or wide. Narrow sound cones are suitable for e.g. fill level detection through small container openings, a wide sound cone is generally used for detection or measurement tasks in larger ranges (e.g. with bulk material) or in the case of objects with complex geometries or surfaces.

Small and compact design

Cubic sensors are often used for applications with limited installation space. With their compact dimensions (20.5 x 41.0 x 15.0 mm), the new measuring and switching ultrasonic sensors are specially developed for applications where space is constrained.

Applications

Filling level monitoring with differently sized container openings

Requirement:
After the filling process, the fill level must be checked in order to avoid underfilling or overfilling. It must be possible to use the sensor system for both small and large container openings.

Solution:
The HTU 420B ultrasonic sensors have an adjustable sound cone. Depending on the application, a narrow, medium or wide sound cone can be selected. This enables flexible use of the sensors and reduces the number of different variants in the system.

Monitoring of roll diameter

Requirement:
The diameter of rolled goods must be monitored continuously in order to safeguard the availability of the rolled material and to ensure that rolls are changed in a timely manner. Transparent, glossy, colorful, black or metalized materials must also be reliably detected by the sensor.

Solution:
The ultrasonic distance sensors of the DMU 420B series supply a continuous analog output signal (either current or voltage) to the machine control. This enables the roll to be changed in good time.

Overview of ultrasonic sensors

Parameters	HTU420B	DMU420B	HTU412B	DMU412B
Operating range	10 – 250 mm 15 – 500 mm 20 – 1000 mm	10 – 250 mm 15 – 500 mm 20 – 1000 mm	15 – 500 mm	15 – 500 mm
Response time	< 25 ms < 40 ms < 60 ms	< 25 ms < 40 ms < 60 ms	< 25 ms	< 25 ms
Repeatability	0.5 mm	0.5 mm	0.5 mm	0.5 mm
Accuracy of measurement	-	2 %	-	2 %
Hysteresis	4 %	4 %	4 %	4 %
Operation	Teach-Button, Teach-In, IO-Link	Teach-Button, IO-Link	Teach-In, IO-Link	Teach-In, IO-Link
Switching outputs	1/2	1	1/2	1
Analog output	-	Current/Voltage	-	Current/Voltage
IO-Link	V1.1	V1.1	V1.1	V1.1
Connection type	M8 (metal)	M8 (metal)	M12	M12
Housing dimensions	20.5 mm x 41 mm x 15 mm	20.5 mm x 41 mm x 15 mm	M12 x 50 mm	M12 x 50 mm
Temperature range	- 25°C … + 65°C	- 25°C … + 65°C	- 25°C … + 65°C	- 25°C … + 65°C
Degree of protection	IP 67	IP 67	IP 67	IP 67
Adjustable sound cone	Yes (models with IO-Link)	Yes	Yes	Yes

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Compact ultrasonic sensors for challenging applications

New switching and measuring ultrasonic sensors in cylindrical form

Ultrasonic sensors are problem solvers for challenging detection and measurement tasks. They are used wherever conditions are not ideal for optical sensors. For example, when detecting objects with sound-reflecting surfaces or in harsh, dusty or vaporous production environments.

The ultrasonic technology ensures a broad range of applications in many different industries: An ultrasonic sensor emits an acoustic pulse and measures the time the acoustic pulse reflected by an object takes to return to the sensor. The principle of propagation time measurement is used to precisely calculate the distance to the object. The ultrasonic waves are reflected by the object, completely irrespective of the type of surface. This means that sound-reflecting materials – glossy or reflective, transparent or extremely dark – do not hinder reliable detection. Products with hard-to-identify geometries or fill levels of liquids, powders or granulates can also be checked contactlessly and extremely precisely using ultrasonic sensors.

The new cylindrical ultrasonic sensors in robust metal housings are particularly suitable for applications in the packaging or automotive industry. The HTU 208 compact ultrasonic sensors for object detection are characterized by their extremely slimline design (M8 threaded sleeve). They can also be installed in confined production environments and detect fill levels using a narrow sound cone, even through very small container openings. The HTU 212 sensors in the next larger design (M12) are used in cramped ambient conditions where a high operating range is required. Thanks to their IO-Link interface, the HTU 218 switching ultrasonic sensors (M18) are extremely easy to configure.
The measuring ultrasonic distance sensors of the DMU 218 series with analog output have been developed for precise distance measurement. The switching and measuring ultrasonic sensors with M30 design achieve operating ranges of up to 6 meters. An IO-Link interface enables quick and easy operation of the sensors.

Advantages for you

Reliable detection of liquids and solid objects with sound-reflecting surfaces
Can also be used under harsh ambient conditions: ultrasonic sensors are not affected by steam, humidity, dust or ambient light
Maximum flexibility for your application: with 4 different sizes (M8, M12, M18, M30) and operating ranges between 0.1 m and 6 m
Flexible use thanks to switching and measuring models in one series
Object detection and presence control with switching ultrasonic sensors (HTU)
Distance measurement with ultrasonic distance sensors with analog output (DMU)
Short length allows use even in confined spaces
Robust metal housing
The sensors are dust-proof and achieve degree of protection IP 67
Quick and easy operation of the sensors with IO-Link interface

Highlights

Detection of glossy, reflective, transparent or dark objects

Ultrasonic technology is able to capture objects regardless of their surface properties. The new ultrasonic sensors detect solids, liquids, powders or granulates extremely reliably.

Specialist for constrained spaces and small container openings

The HTU208 compact ultrasonic sensors in M8 size have been developed for use in small installation spaces. The switching sensors feature an extremely narrow sound cone and detect fill levels even in the case of containers with small openings.

Simple connection to an automation system via IO-Link

The new ultrasonic sensors of the HTU200 and DMU200 series are set up either remotely by teaching via cable or – for maximum convenience – via IO-Link. Using IO-Link, sensors can easily be integrated in an automation system. This type of automation simplifies integration and thereby helps keep downtime in production to an absolute minimum. The new compact and robust ultrasonic sensors can be configured, operated and maintained (condition monitoring) via IO-Link.

Keeping an eye on processes: using the internal object counter and diagnostic data such as temperature (predictive maintenance)
Real-time signal information and diagnosis
Precise measurement value output even in the case of devices with digital switching output

Application

Fill level monitoring of bulk material

Requirement:
When granular bulk materials are filled, fill levels are to be detected reliably. Dusty ambient conditions occurring when granulates or powders are filled must not affect detection.

Solution:
The new ultrasonic sensors of the 218 series, available with staggered operating ranges, are well suited for fill level monitoring in dusty environments. The large detection range of the ultrasonic cone makes reliable fill level monitoring possible, even in the case of granular objects. A HTU218 switching ultrasonic sensor detects the upper limit of the filling. Alternatively, a measuring distance sensor can be used. It is designed for continuous fill level monitoring based on the output of an analog value (using current or voltage).

Fill level monitoring in the case of containers with a small opening

Requirement:
On a filling line, the fill level is to be detected through a very narrow container opening.

Solution:
The new HTU208 compact ultrasonic sensor in the form of an M8 threaded sleeve has an extremely narrow sound cone and thereby enables fill level monitoring through very small container openings.

Stack height monitoring using an ultrasonic distance sensor

Requirement:
In a cartoning machine, the fill level of the folding box magazine is to be detected. The carton can have different colors, surface structures and perforations. Therefore, detection is as far as possible to be performed irrespective of the material and surface.

Solution:
Thanks to detection using the ultrasonic cone, the ultrasonic sensors of the DMU200 series are ideal for distance measurement irrespective of the material and surface of the carton. The wide sound cone means that punched-out holes in the carton are also no problem.

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Loop control in the automotive industry

Requirement:
In a cutting system used in the automotive industry, the cutting process must be decoupled from the belt transport. The sag of the loop is to be determined contact-free to communicate the necessary measurement values to the control for determining the haul-off speed.

Solution:
The measuring ultrasonic sensors of the DMU218 or DMU230 series with various operating ranges and robust metal housing are suitable for loop control. They are available with analog current or voltage output and IO-Link interface.

Monitoring the diameter of rolled products

Requirement:
Packaging material, labels or films in different colors and materials are provided on rolls. To ensure uniform unrolling of the rolled product, the axis is motor-driven. The roll diameter must be monitored continuously to ensure the availability and prompt changeover of the rolled product.

Solution:
The new distance-measuring ultrasonic sensors of the DMU218 series send an analog output signal, which is proportional to the roll diameter, to the control. This makes it possible to determine in good time when the roll needs to be changed.

Many models to ensure high flexibility for your application

The new range of sensors includes switching and measuring ultrasonic sensors in different sizes, with various operating ranges and switching outputs. Some models have an IO-Link interface and allow extremely quick and easy operation.

Switching ultrasonic sensors:

HTU 208 (4 models)
HTU 212 (8 models)
HTU 218 (6 models)
HTU 230 (2 models)

Measuring ultrasonic sensors:

DMU 218 (4 models)
DMU 230 (4 models)

Technical properties

Feature	HTU 208	HTU 212	HTU 218 DMU 218	HTU 230 DMU 230
Housing material	Brass (nickel-plated)	Brass (nickel-plated)	Brass (nickel-plated)	Brass (nickel-plated)
Operating range	20 - 100 mm	20 - 200 mm 40 - 400 mm	80 - 800 mm 150 - 1500 mm	300 - 3000 mm 600 - 6000 mm
Switching frequency	20 Hz	20 Hz 10 Hz	5 Hz	3 Hz 2 Hz
Response time	25 ms	25 ms 50 ms	100 ms	166 ms 250 ms
Ambient temperature, operation	0 - 50°C	-25 - 70°C	-25 - 70°C	-25 - 70°C
IO-Link	-	-	V1.1 (COM2)	V1.1 (COM2)
Operation	Teach via cable	Teach via cable	Teach via cable IO-Link	IO-Link
Switching output	PNP, NPN	PNP, NPN	PNP Push-pull (IO-Link)	Push-pull (IO-Link)
Analog output	-	-	Current (4 … 20mA) Voltage (0 … 10V)	Current (4 … 20mA) Voltage (0 … 10V)
Degree of protection	IP67	IP67	IP67	IP67
Certification	CE, UL, UKCA, China RoHS	CE, UL, UKCA, China RoHS	CE, UL, UKCA, China RoHS	CE, UL, UKCA, China RoHS
Connection	M8 (4-pin)	M12 (4-pin)	M12 (4-pin)	M12 (4-pin)